Desire to Have Children and the Internet: Aspects for Psychosomatic Practice

Background: The possibilities of starting a family have become increasingly pluralized. Existing research focuses not only on medical and ethical questions of reproduction, but also the psychological aspects of artificial insemination, surrogacy and single parents. There are only few findings, however, on these topics in the context of the internet: How is this used in the context of starting a family? Which motives are predominant? What effects does the use of the internet in the context of reproduction have on starting a family and the child's development? Material and methods: Research results and examples from psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic practice are narratively summarized by means of literature and internet research as well as clinical case reports. Results: The internet can play different roles in helping to fulfill the desire to have children in various ways, including informing about options that are not permitted in one's own country. Sperm, egg and embryo donations and - in some cases - surrogacy and so-called co-parenting can be initiated online. Psychosomatic aspects of fulfilling the desire to have children with the help of the internet should be integrated into the training and further education of gynecologists, reproductive physicians and psychosomatics and psychotherapy doctors.